Peeking Out of Your Comfort Zone

Our cats are creatures of habit. We have three. Their world is defined by their comfort zone. We know when and where they are hiding, sleeping or just hanging out. It’s a rarity that they find a new sleeping place. When it does happen it’s because we’ve left something open that is usually inaccessible.

In the zone!

They don’t like it when their routine is changed. It causes upset. As entertaining as we find them, they have their patterns and habits and they like them just the way they are.

We’ve moved a couple of times over the years. Moving is a disruption to us all. If we move a piece of furniture, change a bedspread or alter a sleeping area, their little brains go into instant spin mode. Our cats don’t like change and are perfectly content in their comfort zone.

We’re Not So Different

We’re not so different from our cats when it comes to comfort zones. When everything goes according to plan, as expected, as predicted, there is no upset. We are comfortable in knowing how things are going to go, where things are. I’ll grant you that cats don’t have our ability to reason things out. But there is a certain part of our human psyche that doesn’t want to have to deal with being forced outside our comfort zone. And, we will avoid it at all costs.

The difference for we humans is our sense of self, our ability to know there is a future and our desire to improve. Without these distinctions we would operate on instinct alone, just like our cats. We love our comfort zone because it is easy, secure, calming and non-threatening. It is little wonder we don’t want to venture out into the unpredictable.

But, right there is the challenge. By remaining within our comfort zone we make no headway. There is no room for self improvement or personal development. It would be wake up, go to work, watch TV, sleep, wake up, go to work… until the day we die. That is operating on instinct alone without any chance for anything new and exciting.

Until we see the value to moving intentionally out of our comfort zone there can be little zest for life. The status quo and ego triumph. There is no opportunity for being called on, screwing up, being embarrassed, moving forward, taking a chance, or attaining a goal. There is no possibility.

So, the next time you realize that you are stuck in the box and your comfort zone is stifling your spirit, go ahead venture out. Take a peek. Dip your toe in the cold unfamiliar waters. It is never fatal. You are guaranteed to find it rewarding, invigorating and freeing.

(Reproduced with permission from Infinite Possibilities at lynnandrick.com.
http://lynnandrick.com/peeking-out-of-your-comfort-zone/)